BIKOLANO LITERATURE

Bikol and Bikolnon both refer to the people, culture, and language of the Bicol region. The
term “Bikol” could have been derived from “Bico,” the name of a river that drains into San
Miguel Bay. Possible origins also include the bikul or bikal bamboo trees, which line rivulets,
and the ancient native word bikod (twisted or bent).

Administratively known as Region V, the Bicol region is located on the southeastern end of
Luzon. It is surrounded by the Visayan Sea in the south, the Pacific Ocean in the east, Lamon
Bay in the north, and Sibugan Sea and Quezon province in the west. It comprises six provinces:
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.

Characteristics of Bicol Literature

-Its roots were from ancientfolkways.

-Poetry includes charmed versed exploiting thepossibilities of words
in folk poems and narratives.
-Themes specifically deals about mythical content.
-Bound with early historical fragments which form part of the
people's lives.

Pre Colonial- composed of Patototdon or riddles

patototdan or riddles, proverbs, tigsik, riddling has ceased to be a
myths, etc. hobby in Bicol Social life is enlivened by toasts

reveal a concern with the call tigsik, kangsin, or abatayo.

Spanish- marked some milestones in These are four-line verses
familiar and material
the literary tradition of the Bikolano
here the abstract is made occasioned by happy gatherings

whether around a sari-sari or
American- drama flourished even
more concrete variety store or during feasts.

the first part is a positive

Post-war-was unproductive at some metaphorical description Tigsik

point the second part introduces is a form of literature in the

an element meant to confuse Bicol region of the Philippines

Contemporary-writers now this kind of literacy is somehow

possess the courage to deal with

Proverbs similar to Haiku of Japan which
big themes.
called kasabihan, arawiga, or is also has three phases but it

PRE COLONIAL PERIOD-
Just like other local traditions
and cultures in the country, Bikolano
literature has its roots in orally
transmitted poems and mythical
narratives that reflect the history of
the people.
sasabihan emphasize values like does not follow the 5,7,5
independence, honor, and pattern
humility the human condition is the
central concern of these proverbs.
they may be abstract or may
use images form nature, for
such as plants, animals, and
the human body.

I. Introduction
II. Definition of Terms Ibalon
III. Author
The Ibalong portrays deeds in
IV. Historical
heroic proportions, centering on
background white men or tawong-lipod who
V. Summary were warrior-heroes named,
among others, Baltog, Handyong,
VI. Analysis
and Bantong.
VII. Conclusion